October 2026
GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT
U of A research lab in Tucson moves into clinical trials to find treatment for heart failure
A research lab led by Dr. Steven Goldman of the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center is progressing toward clinical trials while also training and teaching the next generation of researchers.
The lab takes samples from patients with heart failure and develops precision medicine approaches to treat patients in the clinic.
Goldman, the Leonard Pfeiffer Endowed Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine, was one of 10 researchers awarded a $100,000 Flinn Foundation Translational Seed Grant in 2025, and was selected to receive an additional $100,000 in follow-on funding for his research to develop novel therapeutics for treatment of heart failure.
Heart failure, a chronic condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, affects an estimated 6.7 million American adults, a number projected to climb to 8.7 million by 2030, according to the Heart Failure Society of America.
The Flinn Foundation’s entrepreneurship and seed grant programs began more than a decade ago. In that time, more than $13 million has been provided to Arizona researchers and companies. Applications are being accepted for the 2027 entrepreneurship program through Friday, Oct. 30.
LEADERSHIP
As chair of the Steering Committee for Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap, I see remarkable work happening every day in labs, classrooms, board rooms, and startups statewide.
This Roadmap Watch section of the new bioscience newsletter is our chance to shine a light on that work.
Each month, we’ll take a look at developments across the state’s bioscience ecosystem and how they connect to the Roadmap.
A quick refresher: the Roadmap charts a path to national recognition for Arizona bioscience through five goals: strengthening our collaborative gene, turning research into impact, building a thriving startup ecosystem, expanding talent and career pathways, and telling Arizona’s bioscience story.
Chair, Roadmap Steering Committee
We don’t have to look far for progress. TD2 Oncology in Scottsdale was just awarded AZBio’s 2026 Arizona Bioscience Company of the Year, recognized for speeding the journey of cancer therapies from the lab to patients around the world while growing its roots here at home. That’s research into impact, and Arizona’s story, in action.
In upcoming editions, look for other Roadmap developments, including details on the Flinn Foundation’s annual Bio Capital Conference, important to founders and funders alike.
We look forward to keeping you in the loop.
HAPPENING THIS WEEK
Creating workforce starts early at Arizona Bioscience Week
The big picture: To grow successfully, Arizona’s bioscience ecosystem needs to strengthen talent and career pathways. That starts early. Exposing young, local students to a career in a field they may never have considered can pay huge dividends.
A video campaign: The “Exploring Pathways to Bioscience and Health Careers” video series aims to bridge the gap between educators and bioscience by exposing young people to career opportunities. The campaign is led by Gail Beauchamp and her team at the Maricopa County School Superintendent’s office, with support from the Flinn Foundation.
A new lineup of on-demand videos was released for Arizona Bioscience Week, which runs through Oct. 9, featuring speakers from industry, higher education, patient care, philanthropy, and more. Resources are available for educators, including team challenges and career exploration activities for the classroom. Learn more details here.
Focused on need: This year, the videos show the importance and opportunities of medical device manufacturing, from 3D printing to microelectronics. The speakers demonstrate how bioscience jobs go beyond the lab into engineering, design, production and advanced manufacturing.
Students present bio research: The Arizona Bioscience Week Student Discovery Zone was featured during this week’s 23rd annual AZBio Awards in Phoenix. More than 1,600 research posters created by Arizona students have been on display since the program began more than a decade ago.
Key takeaway: Whether a student plans to earn an associate’s degree or certificate, or go on for a doctorate, there is a place in the bioscience ecosystem for them. And that’s the message and future we are investing in.
Mary O’Reilly, Ph.D.
Vice President, Bioscience Research Programs
Flinn Foundation
FROM THE SOCIALS
LinkedIn post of the month
“The convergence of engineering and medicine is exceedingly powerful and compelling; it has the potential to transform systemic and persistent challenges in health and health care…” – ASU Professor of Technology and Innovation Sethuraman Panchanathan on the dual degrees offered to students at the new John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering.
Share, follow and tag the Flinn Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. On Bluesky? Look for Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap. #AZBioRoadmap #FlinnFoundation
COMING SOON
For your calendar
Oct. 13: BIO 5 Research and Innovation Showcase
Oct. 14: ASU National Diagnostics Summit
Oct. 22: Connect Labs Phoenix Open House
Oct. 30: Flinn Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program Application Deadline
Check out our new Bio Blog for the latest news about Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap.